The Linfield Wildcats are entering a new era as Lacey Bell takes the reins as the head coach for the first time. After several years of consistent but modest results, Bell's leadership brings renewed excitement and energy to the program. With Northwest Conference experience as an assistant coach at Pacific, she aims to elevate Linfield's volleyball program to new heights.
 
"I'm looking to establish and foster a team culture based around accountability and attention to detail," said Bell. "By holding ourselves accountable, we will be able to progress individually and as a team."
 
Bell's experience at Pacific gives her valuable insight into what it takes to compete in the NWC. This bodes well for a program that has struggled to break rise above the midpoint in the conference standings, having not won more than four conference matches since 2017.
 
The Returners
Bell's desire to establish a new culture depends heavily on the senior upperclassmen.
 
"Seniors Paige Richards and Marina Erosa lead by example and are extremely encouraging and positive individuals," said Bell. "I appreciate their efforts and I can already say that it will be an emotional night come Senior Night. These ladies are great examples of leadership for the returners and newcomers on the team."
 
A libero, Paige Richards is coming off an impressive junior season in which she managed 326 digs along with 56 aces.
 
Nora Myre is the up-and-coming sophomore who started all 23 matches for Linfield and notched 128 kills as a rookie. Junior Araeya Watanabe led the team in kills in 2023 with 161 and should remain a consistent producer from the outside this fall.
 
The Newcomers
The 'Cats welcomed 10 freshmen to the roster and enjoy great depth at several positions.
 
"This recruiting class is very strong and has a lot of potential. The returners have already seen that every spot must be earned," said Bell. "The strong freshman recruiting class means that we have a deep roster and in multiple positions."
 
Outside hitter Kaitlyn Hough, a 5-11 outside hitter, should contribute immediately as a freshman, together with Malia Haynes on the defensive side.
 
The Schedule
Linfield plays a pair of doubleheaders as part of the Oregon Trail Classic to begin the season Aug. 30-31. They'll start off against Mary Hardin-Baylor and Multnomah at Pacific University's Stoller Center before returning to their home court to wrap up the tournament against Bushnell and Pacific Union the following night.
 
Senior Night is set for Nov. 9 against Northwest Conference rival Willamette.